CDC to Spend $10 Million to Curb Farm Worker Bird Flu Infections

CDC Deputy Director Says 2024-08-03

Flu Vaccine Will Curb Bird Flu Risk for US Farm Workers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Tuesday that it plans to spend $10 million to curb bird flu infections among farm workers. The initiative will include $5 million for seasonal flu vaccinations, which the CDC says will help to protect workers from the H5N1 bird flu virus.

The H5N1 virus has been spreading rapidly among poultry in the United States, and it has also infected some humans. While the virus is not currently a major threat to public health, the CDC is concerned that it could become more dangerous if it mutates. The seasonal flu vaccine is not effective against the H5N1 virus, but it can help to reduce the risk of severe illness from other flu strains.

The CDC is also providing $5 million for other measures to protect farm workers from bird flu, such as personal protective equipment and training. The agency is working with state and local health departments to implement the initiative.